The Sporting CP coach previews the derby against SL Benfica (Monday, 9:30pm local time)

Monday is derby day at the Estádio José Alvalade. In a press conference ahead of Sporting CP's match against SL Benfica, coach Rúben Amorim noted the special nature of the fixture, but also emphasised that it is just as important as every other game.

"It is important for the growth of the team, because winning always helps us. We have not played SL Benfica this season. It's a game with a different weight to it, however there are still just three points in play. The team have been responding well in these types of games, which is positive in terms of having a good season. We have our strategy for the game and the team will be prepared", guaranteed the coach in discussion with the media.

Sporting CP lead Liga NOS with 39 points, 4 more than FC Porto in second place. When asked to talk about the possibility of increasing the advantage over SL Benfica from 6 to 9 points, Amorim warned that "nothing will be decided tomorrow" in the title picture.

"There are many games, we are not yet in the second half of the season and a victory for us does not take SL Benfica out of the race - nor give the title to Sporting CP. What it can give us is more confidence. It's nothing more than that: Three points. With that being said, it is of course a special game."

Regarding the extra pressure that a derby brings, Amorim stressed that he expects Sporting CP players to feel the "responsibility of victory". "I hope that my players are under pressure. We want to win and we have to win. Obviously we are in a better spot in the table, but I hope that our players are under pressure -because we have the responsibility of taking victory. We want to keep going with this advantage", he stated.

João Palhinha is a confirmed absence for this Monday's derby and, although the coach admits he is a significant loss, he also said that there will be a solution within the squad.

"We are not concerned, but of course he is an important player. He has some very specific characteristics that we don't find in the squad, but we will go about things another way. Whoever plays in that position will have other characteristics, which will give the game another style, perhaps. It's a shame that João Palhinha is out, but we have players to face his absence."

Rúben Amorim also took the opportunity to analyse SL Benfica's tactical setup. "There are things that remain the same in Jorge Jesus' style of play, and we have scouts who have worked with him, as well as Sebastián Coates, with whom I shared ideas about various aspects of the game. However, the characteristics of the players is what changes completely how a team play. We are prepared for everything and now it will also depend on the inspiration of both our players and the opponents", concluded the Sporting CP coach.